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UST coach Pido Jarencio celebrates after Growling Tigers seal their return to the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

University of Santo Tomas clinched a seat in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament following a lopsided 75-49 victory against hopeful Adamson on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Rising to a 7-7 record good for third, the Growling Tigers returned to the playoffs for the first time in five years and will battle twice-to-beat protected University of the Philippines in the semifinals thanks to a third-quarter explosion of rookie Amiel Acido, who powered UST with 14 points after missing only a shot of his six attempts.

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READ: Pido looks to write ‘new story’ in UST’s UAAP Final Four return

“In the first quarter, we didn’t really struggle, but Adamson had a good start. Then we recovered. The difference came in the second half—we became more aggressive and started making our shots. Forthsky and KP [Kyle Paranada] dictated the game,” said Coach Pido Jarencio, marking his return to the Final Four since last leading UST in 2013.

“I’m really thankful to everyone who guided me, especially the coaches, my teammates, and the PTs—they’re the reason I’m in this position now. I’m so grateful to them and for the blessings coming my way. I’m also thankful for the opportunity given by Coach Pido. I waited a long time for it, so when I got the chance, I gave it my all,” Acido said after his career game.

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‘NAG-UUMPISA NA TAYO’

WATCH: Coach Pido Jarencio talks about the UST Growling Tigers’ upcoming run in the #UAAPSeason87 Final Four. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/8QqZIUd1tc

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 16, 2024

Nic Cabañero will be going to his first semifinals in four years as he delivered 13 points and eight rebounds while Malian center Mo Tounakara had an overall performance of 11 points and 14 rebounds.

“I’m super blessed to finally reach the Final Four. I’m happy because of the guidance from the coaches, Coach Pido, the management, and my teammates. I’m really glad because even though I struggled in the first half, they kept cheering me on and motivating me. Thank you also to the Thomasians—I’ve been here for three years, this is my fourth year, and I still have one more next year. Thank you for your support and love,” said Cabañero.

READ: UAAP: UST Tigers–no longer sporting buzz cuts–are buzzing

“All the credit goes to my teammates. They really showed up today. Our bench scored 38 points compared to Adamson’s 21, and I think that’s what made the difference. So let’s give it to my teammates who are always ready to step up when needed,” said Padrigao, who previously won a championship with Ateneo before transferring to España.

Amiel Acido scores breakout game to power UST Growling Tigers against Adamson Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

UST knew the stakes at hand and so coming out of the dugout in the second half and the Growling Tigers bared their teeth with a 23-4 run in the third quarter that buried the Soaring Falcons to a 20-point deficit with 10 minutes still left in regulation.

And that pretty much doomed the chances of Adamson for a comeback as UST continued connecting on the way to 27 out of 68 attempts and is now assured of the third spot.

READ: UAAP: ‘Do-or-die’ approach has UST winning again

Adamson remains in the hunt for a semifinal ticket despite absorbing its eighth loss in 13 games.

The Falcons will be in another must-win game to end their elimination campaign against eliminated Ateneo next Saturday while hoping that the University of the East loses to the Fighting Maroons on Wednesday to force a playoff for the last ticket.

Mathew Montebon was the lone Falcon in double digits with 14 points, 11 of which came in the first half while Cedrick Manzano and Matt Erolon, who are huge parts of the Adamson system, struggled heavily.